Blurb:
Nisha's spending the weekend with her boyfriend, her favorite werewolf... and a sex demon.

The Innferno is the perfect hotel for a weekend getaway, except for one minor problem -- the sex-crazed resident demon. It's possessing the guests and using them to slake its lust, and that's bad for business, which is why the manager needs help from Nisha Jenkins. Her assignment? Do whatever it takes to persuade the demon to move on.

Publisher's Note: Chronological order of the Layer stories: "Enter the Layer" in the Changeling Aftershock collection first introduces Nisha and Slade. Wolf's Layer follows from that, and Demon's Layer is the third story in the series. All can be read as stand alone stories.

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Hands on her hips, Nisha Jenkins glared up at the sign above her head. "Now that's just asking for trouble." The sign featured a pattern of flames and a single word: Innferno. It swung gently even though there was no wind.

Slade looked amused. Nisha had spent the better part of a week trying to explain her calling as a Layer, and that her current assignment involved a demon-haunted hotel, but she had the distinct impression he hadn't taken her seriously. His reply confirmed that. "There you go. Tell the owners to change the name and we're free to enjoy the weekend."

Nisha sighed. Slade had never been open to the idea of anything supernatural. This weekend was either going to change his mind, or possibly damage his sanity.

The blonde at the front desk had too much frosted blue eyeshadow and way too little clothing. Her assets threatened to spill out onto the guest register. She eyed Slade's muscled six-foot-four physique hungrily. "What can I do for you?" She utterly ignored Nisha, a pattern Nisha had noticed before. Certain white chicks had a way of acting as if she didn't exist when they wanted to pretend her boyfriend was fair game. Slade, bless him, was looking completely unimpressed.

Charitably resisting an urge to claw the wench's eyes out, Nisha cleared her throat loudly. "I'm Nisha Jenkins. Your husband sent for me -- we have a room booked."

The blonde gave her a sullen look, but handed over the key to room 113. "I hope you didn't get your hopes up about meeting my husband at a hotel." She snickered. "It's guaranteed to be less interesting than it sounds, unless you're addicted to lectures on small business management." Nisha decided she was happier not knowing what that was all about. Just because she was a Layer didn't mean she had to care about every stranger's crappy relationship, right?

In their room, it took Slade ten seconds to do his version of unpacking -- tossing a pack of condoms and some lube on the bed and giving her a look full of promise before heading into the shower. Nisha grinned to herself as she hung a few things up in the closet. Maybe she should join him. The steam creeping out under the bathroom door smelled delicious, sort of a sandalwood scent mixed with something smoky, like the after-scent of a lit match. It was oddly enticing. Before she could act on the sudden tingle of interest, there was a knock on the door.

"Nisha? You in there?" She froze. She'd know that voice anywhere -- hell, she heard it in her dreams. It was Alastar, the werewolf alpha she'd met on her last Layer assignment. Okay, more than met. A lot more.

She shivered, a wave of goosebumpy arousal sweeping her body at the memory.

This was not good. She'd fantasized about finding a way to bring both guys along for this weekend, sure, but the reality wasn't likely to be pretty. Fuck. She had to get Alastar away from here before Slade emerged from the shower.

At that exact moment the click of the bathroom door opening informed her she was too late to prevent disaster. She did what any intelligent, independent woman would do in this situation. She panicked and bolted into the closet, sliding the door almost shut behind her. Turning to peer through the crack, she saw with absolute horror that Slade, naked and stunningly erect, was striding out to answer the door.

She'd never expected to see the two men face to face. This was so not good. Some part of her mind couldn't help noticing that they looked great together, though. Slade's dark brown hair, touched with random hints of gold, and his tanned, muscular body; Alastar's pale skin, blue-black hair and eyes, and slightly more sleek physique. Two great flavors, unfortunately probably about to kick the shit out of each other. She winced and tried desperately to think of a way to disrupt this scene before it turned violent.

"Come in." Slade's voice was low, commanding. To her mingled horror and fascination, Alastar obeyed instantly, stepping calmly into the room. She'd never in a million years have guessed that the alpha wolf could be so, well, obedient. And what the hell was up with Slade? Sure, he had a sort of natural corporate-honed dominance, the confidence natural to very rich, very successful men, but now there was something new in his voice. A new note of... authority? No, that wasn't quite it. But he'd compelled Alastar, that was obvious, and now he was circling him slowly, an odd smile quirking the corners of his lips upward. He traced one finger across Alastar's chest, and Alastar just stood there, unmoving, his eyes slightly unfocused. Slade's cock was twitching with arousal now, and Nisha was beginning to squirm as well. This was all wrong, but damn, it was hot.

Then Slade paused, lifting his head to look directly at her as if he could see right through the closet door, and she gasped. His eyes, usually a smoky greenish-gray, were glowing. Glowing red.

Smirking slightly, he returned his attention to Alastar. "Drop your clothes." It came out in a whisper, a hiss that nevertheless carried easily to Nisha's ears. She suspected it had been intended to.

Blurb:
Having been abused by men, Enid doesn't trust easily and cannot stand to be touched. When she's claimed as a sex slave on another planet, she fears what will happen to her. Bastian is a pleasant surprise -- patient and caring, he's not what she expected in an owner. As she gets to know him, she finds herself doing the unthinkable -- falling in love.

The large Vaaden warrior entered the cell and stopped in front of Sorcha. I could tell she was scared, but I was glad he hadn't noticed me. Then, he continued past her and stopped inches from me. My heart hammered in my chest and my eyes were wide in fear.

He reached out to touch my hair and I flinched. I hadn't meant to, but it wasn't something I could control. I wished I could show Sorcha's bravery.

He frowned at me and I knew I had displeased him.

"Why do you flinch when I try to touch you?"

I opened my mouth, but no sound would come out. It was as if my vocal cords had frozen in my throat. I felt paralyzed with fear.

"She doesn't like to be touched by anyone," Sorcha told him, and I silently thanked her.

The warrior stepped closer, and I forgot to breathe, dots danced in my vision and then blackness overtook me.

* * *

I awakened some time later in a lavish bedroom. Looking around at the foreign surroundings, I spotted the warrior in a nearby chair.

"You're awake." His voice was deep and dark, smoky like whiskey.

I trembled, knowing I should speak but I couldn't.

I watched, helpless, as he stood and came closer. He stopped at the edge of the bed and sat beside me. Slowly, he reached a hand toward me and gently stroked a lock of my hair. I felt proud of the fact that I was able to hold still, even though I was terrified and trembling.

"Easy," he murmured, and I realized I was hyperventilating. So much for my bravery. "What's your name?" he asked softly.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the knot in my throat. "Enid."

"I'm Bastian."

I stared at him, uncertain of what he wanted. I'd heard Susan tell Sorcha what to expect, but the idea of being intimate with a man petrified me. What would happen when he realized that I wouldn't be able to please him?

"Why are you afraid of me? The woman in the cell said you hate to be touched."

"It... it isn't that I hate being touched. It scares me."

"Why?" I looked away. When his fingers grasped my chin, I jumped and looked at him, wide-eyed and ready to run, not that I had anywhere to go. "Why does my touch scare you?" he persisted.

"Not yours, specifically. Anyone's."

He stared, waiting on my answer. My heart felt like it was going to pound right out of my chest and I wished he would move further away. I felt my palms grow moist and queasiness rolled through me. I only hoped I wouldn't get sick. Even though I'd been stuck in the cell for weeks, I suddenly wished I was back there.

"I... I... On my way home from work one night, a group of men dragged me into an alley... they..." I closed my eyes against the memories. "They held me down and..." I stopped, unable to complete the sentence. The horrors of that night still lived in my mind, but putting voice to the events made them even more real.

"They raped you."

My eyes flew open at the steely tone of his voice. Anger sparked in his violet eyes and a muscle twitched in his jaw. He really was a breathtaking man. Even as terrified as I was, I could appreciate his masculine beauty. Once upon a time, his attention would have flattered me, but not now. "Yes."

"Was that your first time?"

I blushed and nodded, my gaze remaining trained on his face.

Slowly, he reached for me and gently cupped my cheek, his thumb caressing me. Surprisingly, I didn't flinch or pass out. I didn't think he meant me any harm, and while I didn't know for sure, he had been gentle with me so far. At least for the moment.

"I'm sorry for your pain and what you had to endure. No woman should ever go through that."

I stared at him in surprise. "Isn't that what... what you're going to do to me?"

I cringed at the fury I saw in his face and waited for the blow I was sure would follow. When it didn't, I relaxed a little, watching him warily. He didn't seem to be as horrible as the man who had claimed Susan. If anything, he seemed gentle, even if he didn't look it. No, he looked like a god ready to do battle, a man who could command the thunder and lightning.

"I will take my pleasure in your body, but it will be nothing like your previous experience." He grinned. "You may even like it."

I doubted it, but I didn't voice my opinion. I had a feeling it would only anger him, and I knew I didn't want that anger to be directed my way. If anything, I'd prefer that he ignore me all together. It didn't seem that I would get my wish. When the time came, I only hoped I didn't throw up on him.

Blurb:
Time to take down the fanatical Human Defense League. The Ulfhednar Council's got just the men for the job. But the last thing Jake Parker wants is a partner. Especially not another Alpha wolf -- and definitely not the man who stole his woman.

Heather Grant's got far too much experience working with stubborn males. She figures it would serve both Alphas right if their pride blows their cover. But someone's got to salvage the mission. What she doesn't count on is her instant reaction to Jake Parker's wolf. Just the scent of this particular Alpha's got her hormones racing.

How's a man supposed to concentrate with an utterly sexy Dire Wolf bitch flashing her tail at him? If he gets out of this mission alive, Jake swears he's going to kill the woman. Or claim her.

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

"Jackpot."

"No shit." At least two dozen more M16s, equipped with four rail hand guards, scopes, and collapsible stocks, as well as a couple M50 machine guns, and stack after stack of tactical readiness packs full of thirty round mags. Fuck. There was enough ammo in this room alone to take out Denver.

Not to mention the case cleaner, loading press, and crimper. The air reeked of silver. If he'd ever had any doubt --

"What the hell are you two doing?"

Jake resisted the urge to spin on his heel and land an elbow in the chest of the person who'd managed to sneak up behind him -- but only because the whispered voice belonged to a woman. No matter how deep undercover he was, he didn't hit women.

He might shoot her, but there was no way he was going to hit her.

A glance over his shoulder almost made him regret that decision. Heather Grant. Of all the gin joints... "What the hell are you doing here?"

"My job. Which is to get your sorry asses out of whatever cluster-fuck you two have gotten yourselves into."

John Wolfe treated Heather to a throaty growl of disapproval. "We're doing fine, thanks. Who's this?" He addressed the question to Jake, though he didn't take his attention off the woman.

Jake sighed. "My wife."

"Your what?"

Jake took a small bit of satisfaction in the bigger man's obvious surprise. "I told you I wasn't after Doc Grier." Which was the truth. Mostly.

The Council had decided Wolfe needed backup on this mission. They neglected to ask. Though that was nothing new. The Council never really asked anyone. They just issued orders. So here Jake was, trying to run an undercover op, sandwiched between the big, rangy wolf who thought Jake was after his woman, and Heather, the hard-headed handler who'd played the role of his wife for the last five years. Really. Could life get any better?

John frowned at them speculatively. "Zan said you were married, but..."

"Would you two shut the fuck up before you get us all killed? Between the two of you you're about as subtle as a herd of moose."

Red hair and a temper to match. Not to mention a killer bod that looked even better in tight fitting jeans and that scrap of camo. Jake grinned, enjoying her fit of pique. Maybe he'd tell Wolfe they weren't really married, and then again, maybe he wouldn't. This could be fun. Wolfe had it coming, too, after the way he'd been acting so proprietary around Doc Grier. Two Alpha wolves. One woman. A recipe for disaster.

The heavy tread of boots in the corridor brought an immediate halt to the get-to-know-you bullshit.

Before Jake had time to react, Heather dove at Jake, landing with her legs wrapped around his waist and her lips plastered over his in what had to be the least romantic kiss of his life. Though, perversely, his cock sprung to immediate attention. Had to be a proximity thing, because there was nothing even vaguely sexy about getting shot.

"Hey! You there! What the hell are you two doing in here?" Wolfe's voice sang out loud enough to wake the dead.

The sudden appearance of multiple M16s had an immediate calming effect on Jake's libido. He peeled Heather off his waist and set her on the floor, pushing her protectively behind him. "Dude, if you have to ask..."

"I can see what you're doing, idiot. Why are you doing it here? In this room? In this building? This area's supposed to be secure!"

Wolfe was way too into his role, Jake thought with a barely disguised grin. But it was working. The guards immediately moved to back up their new head of security.

There were three of them, all armed to the teeth. With a bit of a distraction, Jake might be able to take down two of them, but three? Not unless he went wolf...

"For fuck's sake, Val, it's a closet. Where the hell else are we supposed to make out?" Val. Trust Heather to get their cover names right. He'd find out what the hell hers was and what she was doing here later. Damn the Council and their interfering ways, anyway. Though right now, she was damn handy.

Wolfe wasn't the only one who could play his part. Jake turned on Heather, pouring his frustration into his act. "Look, woman, if you don't clean up that raunchy mouth of yours, we're not going to be making out anywhere. You got a mouth like a toilet on you, you know that?"

"You didn't say that when it was wrapped around that little prick of yours, did you?"

"You didn't say it was little then, either. More like Oh, Burt, you're so big... Oh, Burt, give it to me harder! I should have listened to my mother." (Who'd told him, Go to medical school. The pack needs more doctors.)

It wasn't easy to defy your mother, especially when she was a Dire Wolf. And a member of the Ulfhednar Ruling Council. If he got shot out here, she'd never forgive him.

"All right! All right! That's enough," Wolfe barked. "We got a mission to prepare for. You two deserve each other. Get the hell out of here."

Jake reached for Heather and she ducked away, sliding between the men and heading for the doorway. "Besides, you said you like it when I talk dirty."

Thursday, November 25, 2010

New Reviews for Changeling Press 11/22/10
>
>Congratulations to Aubrey Ross, Sarah Black, RaeLynn Blue, Violet Summers and
>Selena Illyria!
>
>
>
>ALPHA COLONY: UNWANTED DESIRE by Aubrey Ross
>Four Hearts from The Romance Studio
>
>I was often at the edge of my seat and could not wait to see what would happen
>next. The love scenes between the two are well written and very hot. This is an
>interesting series that I will definitely be reading more of.
>
>http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/unwanteddesireross.htm
>
>BIG BALLS AND TROUBLE by Sarah Black
>Reviewed by Whipped Cream Reviews
>
>I love stories of lost love found again. Sarah Black is good for stories that
>not only tug at the heartstrings, but have a sexy streak as well. Definitely
>worth a second, third, and fourth read.
>
>IGO: SAVE FOR SHARDAE by RaeLynn Blue
>Five Diamonds from Got Erotic Romance? Reviews
>
>I love a good "bad boy" and Zander won me over from the start. A good story for
>anyone interested in a romantic sci-fi tale with a hint of danger and plenty of
>sexual heat.
>
>http://goteroticromance.blogspot.com/2010/11/igo-save-for-shardae-by-raelynn-blue.html
>
>
>THE QUEENS OF MERAB 1: TEMAIR'S FYRE by Violet Summers
>Five Diamonds from Got Erotic Romance? Reviews
>
>.the sexual tension grows steadily into heat, heat, and more heat. You will want
>to read all of the stories in the series.
>
>http://goteroticromance.blogspot.com/2010/11/queens-of-mareb1-temairs-fyre-by-violet.html
>
>
>SUBTERFUGE by Selena Illyria
>Four Hearts from Love Romances & More
>
>Tight writing, fast pace and a mystery that will have you eagerly flipping the
>pages to see what happens next. If you are looking for one hot, erotic ride with
>a hint of mystery and romance, then grab SUBTERFUGE.
>
>http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/11/subterfuge-by-selena-illyria.html

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Iain settled back in the armchair and listened to Altair drone on about plans and packs and responsibility. He'd heard the speech before -- just yesterday, in fact -- and he had more important things on his mind. Well, important to him. Katherine. With the pack summit just a few short months away, she'd been running around like a chicken with its head cut off organizing, filing and running the front office. Some nights she didn't make it to bed at all. Other nights she'd fallen asleep with her work clothes still on -- even her shoes. http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1498
--
Dear Reader, Let Me Seduce You . . . Love, Selena Illyria: http://www.selenaillyria.com/,

Enough was enough in his opinion. After much thought, he'd decided what was needed was a night out on the town followed by a few spa treatments at a hotel. He'd already picked the place and made the reservations. Only dinner was left to take care of.

"Iain, I'm sure you have other things, far more important things to do, but can you give us just a small bit of your time? Hmmm?" Altair asked.

Heat flushed his neck, cheeks and the edges of his ears at having been caught by his father. Looking around, he saw his fellow pack members snickering. His own brother Conal was bent over, holding his stomach and laughing silently. Scowling, he turned his attention to his father at the front of the room.

"Sorry, Father, but I've heard this speech before." The laughter stopped and the room grew quiet. Very quiet.

Unease slipped down his spine as he realized what he'd just said. "Shite," he muttered. "I'm sorry, Father."

Altair nodded his head. "I understand and I know I've been saying the same thing over and over again." He sighed and sank down into a deep, wingback brown leather chair. "With William doing God knows what and Roarke insisting on being a recluse, I don't know what will happen at the summit. Combine this with the soon to be arriving Talia... The future is very foggy. Right now, we're only as good as the members we've got and even though it warms my heart to see Kameron among our ranks, and with the addition of his brother, we're still down in power. I don't know how much longer I can keep the other packs in line with the way things are going."

Altair's face was worn. His wrinkles seemed to be deeper, and his eyes had lost a bit of that mischievous glint they normally had. Iain's heart lurched for his father. He glanced over at his brother. The siblings exchanged a look that said it all. They feared their father's health was failing.

"Oh, for God's sake, I'm not dying," Altair groused. "I'm tired. Haven't been sleeping properly, been having bad dreams lately." His eyes narrowed. "We must get Roarke back into the fold and soon. I worry that if Melody isn't successful, we will lose him."

Kameron growled next to him. "Send me to the island. Let me knock some sense into him. I'll bring him back to us."

Iain shook his head. "That won't do any good. Roarke is stubborn and scared, a bad combination. Let Melody work on him."

Kameron grumbled under his breath but nodded his head.

"Good. If it comes to it, I'll go to the island myself. Now, as for the summit, we've received no word yet on the Washington pack or their leader. As far as Talia is concerned, I've been told that her plans have changed. Now her intention is to reconnect with Katherine. We shall see." Altair looked around. "Where is Brody? I could have sworn I told him the meeting was today?"

Altair nodded. "Everyone but Iain is dismissed. I'll see you for dinner tonight."

Everyone filed out of the room. Iain went up to his father feeling like a scolded schoolboy being sent to detention or to the principal's office.

"Father?" he asked. Iain prayed and hoped that it wouldn't take long.

"Don't worry. I won't ask you to do any diplomacy trips. I'm worried about Katherine." He paused and shook his head. "I know she's been working hard; sleeping in the office, working on files long into the night, not eating properly."

Iain started. He hadn't known about that. Anger and worry gnawed at his gut. How much have I missed?

"Robin's been keeping me apprised of the situation. I need you to take Katherine out this weekend. She needs a break." Altair gave him a knowing glance.

Heat rose once again up his neck to spread across his cheeks and around the edges of his ears. "Father --" he started.

Altair cut him off. "Just take care of her, okay?"

Iain nodded his head, hoping that was all his father was going to ask of him.

Altair grinned. "Good. While you're distracting her, I'll keep trying with Roarke. I'm using some of my contacts in the vampire and tiger shifting community to get to him. Perhaps they can help."

"Great, wonderful. I'm, uh, going to go make preparations. See you at dinner, Father." Iain didn't wait for a response. He rushed out of the room to his private office across the hall. After shutting the door, he slumped against the hardwood. Bowing his head, he blew out a breath. He wiped a hand over his face and straightened up. "Okay, Katherine, dinner. I better make it good."

Blurb:
The lore says all Illuminarians have one true mate. Princess Azula runs away from an arranged marriage only to be kidnapped. When one of her rescuers turns out to be her true mate, she's shocked to find out he's already involved -- with his handsome co-pilot.

Jace left Illuminaria, and Azula, in order to see the universe. He's tried to deny the lure of his mate, but now that she's only an arm's length away, how will he be able to deny himself and his lover of her kiss, her love, her touch?

With no clothes and no money, she must depend on their goodwill. But will she succumb to their desire?

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

A noise startled Azula, waking her from her dream. She blinked a few times and then took in her surroundings. Oh heavens. It hadn't been a dream. She was still on the Federation vessel.

Fatigue and hunger battled for her attention as she came fully awake. It had been at least three days since she'd eaten anything or allowed herself to rest. A catnap in the cargo hold hardly counted. She closed her eyes a moment but images flashed behind her eyelids. Six days since those... those women had kidnapped her. Her lip curled upward at the memory.

She needed food. And sleep. But she couldn't risk being caught again. She waited, muscles protesting, until the ship was quiet before crawling from her hiding spot. The narrow crawlspace had given her just enough room to squeeze inside and stay out of sight while the Federation soldiers had seated the rescued women from PrimeC one after another. All kidnapped. All held against their will like broodmares. The situation was barbaric.

If word got out about her kidnapping... she shuddered. Her parents would not be happy. Not only had she, the princess of Illuminaria, defied her parents' wishes and run away from home, she hadn't taken her guards. No doubt her parents were keeping her disappearance under wraps. She wouldn't do anything further to disgrace them. No. She couldn't call home. She hadn't accomplished what she'd set out to do and she was done relying on everyone else.

She crouched low, keeping her gaze focused on the far door, and visualized her surroundings in her mind. She forced herself to relax, to take the calm, steadying breaths that would make her completely invisible to anyone who was not of her kind. Illuminarians were gifted with invisibility, a rare trait even with all the technology in the universe.

Azula had never managed to conquer the gift completely. She could only remain invisible for a few minutes at a time unless she remained extremely focused, relaxed and neutral of mind, which was why she was so bone tired. She'd hidden herself away on PrimeC, cloaked herself in her invisibility and waited, snatching an occasional morsel of food.

Running away from the palace hadn't been her brightest idea. Obviously. Her plan had seemed easy. Foolproof. Travel from one Federation planet to the next, quietly tracking Jace Macavoy. Her plan had been going well... until she'd been taken. She rose from the floor and took a few quick steps forward. So much for foolproof. What she needed now was a new plan. And a miracle.

If she could hold onto her cloak long enough to disembark without drawing attention to herself... Her stomach rumbled. No. First she needed something to eat -- and somewhere to sleep. Once she'd regained her energy she'd figure out which of the Federation's safe planets she was on. Then she'd continue her search for Jace.

The last time she'd seen him, she'd been young. As had he. She wasn't going to return home until she'd found the man of her choosing. Jace -- not some arrogant prince from the other side of her galaxy. While her race was blessed with unimaginable good looks, Prince Liph's looks were the only thing good about him. The one time they'd met face to face he hadn't left a good impression. If anything, he was spoiled and weak.

Azula was neither of those things. Not anymore. She would make her own way, just as soon as she got off this ship.

At the end of the cavernous corridor, she paused, pressing her back against the wall. The slick steel was cold against her skin and she supposed that's what she got for slinking around in the nude. If only her mother could see her now. Azula cringed as her mother's voice flitted through her head. A queen of propriety and grace, her mother would never have gotten herself into this position.

The wide door was open and she could see the port deck below. Between her position and the door was the entry to the pilothouse. As long as that door remained closed she could probably sneak off.

Slowly, she leaned forward, her hand flat against the wall to steady herself. Two Federation guards, clad from head to toe in white laserproof suits, strode by, their bootsteps heavy on the polished floor. Azula took a calming breath and leaned back until she was well hidden. She hadn't been feeling very trusting lately.

A yearning like she'd never experienced swept over her. It was so strong, so instantaneous, that she felt pulled toward the pilothouse. And yet her second chance at freedom was a mere step away, down the ramp.

Illuminarians were told from the time they were young that each of them had one true mate -- another half -- and together they would make a perfect whole. They would feel an incredible pull, a desire like they'd never experienced before when their other half was near. Like all young girls, Azula had believed the legends. She'd yearned for her one true mate. But the man she was ordered to marry turned out to be a skunk.

Azula tiptoed around the corner and peeked through the window in the pilothouse door. The ship was so large she couldn't see the other side -- just banks of screens, windows and buttons. The door opened silently and she gasped. A masculine moan met her ears and an invisible force pulled her into the room.

Across the space, a blond-haired man sat in a low chair with his back to her, his head thrown back as he sucked in a shuddering breath. She stepped closer to the low wall separating them. Illuminarian. She could tell by the faint glimmering halo surrounding him.

The yearning got stronger, pulling her forward. He seemed so familiar. Azula was shocked to see another man kneeling between the Illuminarian's spread legs. The blond's erection jutted from his gaping uniform, long, golden and magnificently formed. The other man's hands rested on his thighs and his lips traveled up and down before finally closing over the plump crown.

She'd heard of men pleasuring other men, of course. Her race was highly sexual. But she'd never seen it. Never really imagined how erotic the sight would be; limbs tangled, masculine groans filling the air. She watched, awestruck, as the man's lips stretched to accommodate his partner's girth, his jaw opening wide, taking as much of the cock as he could. His partner sighed with pleasure, his big hands gripping the armrests.

Blurb:
Pat's devoted his life to locating the wreck of The Pelican's Flight. The merchant pirate ship sank in 1692, along with forty others, when half the infamous town of Port Royal slid into the Caribbean. However, no excavation of the site has ever turned up the remains of The Pelican.

Pat has his own theory about where The Pelican may lie. What he doesn't have is a financial backer to fund his treasure hunt -- until the utterly baffling but equally delectable Jamie Keene makes him an offer he can't refuse.

Jamie lost more than his lover when The Pelican went down. Betrayed by the man he trusted, he lost his family treasure, along with his mortal life. Pat offers him hope at finding his ship and restoring his honor -- as well a chance at rediscovering love. But how can Jamie trust a descendant of the man who betrayed him? Will the secrets they share bring them together? Or tear them apart?

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Under a foggy night sky, high tide pummeled the wooden pier as Pat carried the last of his belongings to The Pelican's Pursuit, an ocean-going research vessel owned by Jamie Keane. Trepidation and confidence shot through his veins in equal measures. Confidence in the fact that he could do what he was hired to do; trepidation that his close proximity to the delectable Jamie Keane during the voyage might lead to... complications.

"Welcome aboard, Professor," Douglass said, leaning across the ship's rails to help him haul his large duffle bag onto the deck.

Douglass was short, powerful, and the perfect submissive. As Jamie's personal assistant, he followed his Master around with dog-like devotion. It was cute in a way, but Pat found himself growing irritated with the fact that Douglass never left him and Jamie alone for long. Then again, maybe that was for the best.

"Thank you, Douglass."

"My pleasure, sir. Please follow me to your quarters."

Though the ship was large and sturdy enough for ocean travel, Pat didn't expect much in the way of privacy. As a general rule on research vessels, crew slept four to a room in narrow berths deep enough to prevent a person from rolling out of bed as the ship rocked in the swells.

Pat was a bit surprised when Douglass showed him to a room easily one quarter of the ship's living space in size. "This is the captain's quarters," Pat pointed out.

"Yes, sir," Douglass replied as he carefully set Pat's bags on the floor. "Master and I will share the room next door." There might have been a satisfied smirk on his face, but if so it lasted only a second.

Whatever, Pat thought with a mental shrug. "When do we leave port?"

"Now," said a new voice. Jamie's voice. The voice that had been haunting Pat's dreams since their first meeting two months ago.

Though Jamie Keane looked no older than twenty, his body language spoke with timeless authority. His amber hair hung to an unfashionably long length. Today it was free flowing rather than tied back into a ponytail. The cabin's yellow lighting didn't do his green eyes justice, so sharp and always assessing. And his body... well, Pat had spent far too much time imagining what lay under the loose tee shirts and worn jeans that seemed to be Jamie's trademark apparel.

"No, I knew you'd be on top of it." And, God help me, I want to be on top of you.

The easygoing smile Pat expected didn't come. Instead, Jamie waved a dismissing hand at Douglass without breaking his eye contact with Pat. "Prepare to depart. When ready, follow the course I charted. Go."

Douglass scuttled backward out of the room. His retreating footsteps were audible in the ensuing silence.

"There's one more item we need to discuss, Professor." Jamie's face was unreadable, and Pat couldn't fathom what aspect of the project they'd neglected to cover during their almost daily phone calls over the last two months. "And that is?"

"This." Jamie was chest to chest with him in a heartbeat. Before Pat could register his surprise, Jamie's lips fused to his, devouring his mouth. Blood fled from Pat's head, heading south, as if someone had released all the controls on the Hoover Dam, making it nearly impossible to think let alone speak.

Jamie broke away as abruptly as he'd begun, and Pat quickly found his tongue. "What the hell --"

"You want me." Jamie licked his lips as if he were trying to capture another taste of Pat. "Isn't it better to know now than to spend the rest of the trip wondering what it'd be like to fuck me?"

Oh, sweet Jesus. Pat ran a hand through his short hair and took a deep breath. Jamie. The stale air of the cabin was filled with the intoxicating scent of him. Clean, without artificial sprays to conceal his own special scent -- a blend of man and the sea. "That's not exactly professional behavior."

"The question remains, Professor. Would you rather know... or is it the mystery that makes you hard?"

Blurb:
Passion ignites when Maximus, a gladiator with a sixteen-year winning streak, meets Desirous, a former harem boy, in the combat. The one-time adversaries unite under the strict hand of Lace, Maximus' wife and trainer.

With two hunky warriors and a headstrong Amazurnian woman, sweat and strain move from the arena to the bedroom. Despite his years as a sex toy, Desirous is looking for love. Does he have a chance for something permanent with Max and Lace, or is he just a side order?

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

"Listen," Redd continued, "what you're asking is out of the question. I'll admit, six years ago you were a top gladiator, but that's ancient history."

"I've won the three fights I've had since returning to the games six months ago. I might not have competed over the past six years, but I've never stopped training."

"You've been a sex slave for a rich female who's now behind bars. In fact, your involvement in that scandal would be the only reason we'd even consider embarrassing ourselves to try getting you a match against Maximus."

"If you need to use that scandal to get me in the arena with him, then do it," Desirous ground out. The mere mention of his former mistress, Nipplonia, sickened him. He had risked his life to gather enough evidence against the sick bitch to put her behind bars for the torture, rape and murder of more men than he cared to think about.

For six years he'd suffered physically and emotionally while serving her. Still he had no one but himself to blame for that. He had willingly walked into her domain, surrendering his rights in the only place on Amazurn where men lived in relative freedom.

"Even if we negotiate using that kind of sensationalism, what makes you think Maximus will fight a has-been?"

"This has-been is about to become the best fucking gladiator on Alpha Island South," Desirous said.

Redd shrugged. His slanted brown eyes swept all six-feet-six inches of Desirous' rock-hard body. "I suppose it's possible. You're still young enough to make a comeback, but Maximus is arguably the greatest male gladiator on Amazurn. If he beats you in this early stage of your comeback, it won't be much of a win for him and if he loses to you it will make him look bad."

"And it will send me right to the top of the games."

Redd looked thoughtful. "You have a definite size advantage over him, but he has incomparable technique and I've seen him train. The guy has more stamina than a racing shuttle."

"He's also getting old. Thirty-three, right?"

"A gladiator of his quality could possibly last until his forties."

"Or he might get buried tomorrow," Desirous said softly.

He'd seen magnificent warriors crushed in their prime. That's how his career had ended six years ago. After his lover, Tempest, had been killed in the ring, Desirous lost his passion for everything, including the arena. If Tempest had seen how he'd given up...

Just thinking about it shamed and sickened Desirous. Rather than honor Tempest's memory, he had disgraced it and himself by becoming Nipplonia's puppet. Never again. From now on his life would be different. As Redd said, he was still young. It wasn't too late for him to reclaim his dignity. What better way to remind gladiatorial fans that he still existed than to challenge one of the greatest warriors on Amazurn?

Maximus might win, but if Desirous could stand with him for the full twenty minutes designated for single combatants in the arena, he would prove himself worthy of the sport.

Maximus hadn't lost a fight in sixteen years. All five losses of his career had occurred before his eighteenth year. He'd beaten bigger, stronger men and had worn down youths known for incredible stamina.

As a young gladiator, Desirous' goal had been to fight Maximus and surprisingly the urge still remained. Last year when he decided to return to the arena, his foremost thought had been he still had a chance to fulfill the dream of meeting Maximus in combat.

"You want to go for the kill?" Redd raised an eyebrow. "This might turn out to be interesting after all."

"I don't want to kill him. I just want to end his winning streak."

Redd laughed. "You and just about every gladiator on the island. I have to admit, Desirous, you have huge balls to want to tangle with him after you've been on a six-year vacation."

Desirous' gut clenched and he struggled against the urge to beat this little shit within an inch of his life. Yet during his years serving Nipplonia he had learned self-control.

"Can you or can you not get me the match?" Desirous demanded, his voice deadly calm.

The chief rep narrowed his eyes and sighed. "I can try, but if Maximus and his representatives agree, I doubt I'll be able to negotiate a decent fee for you. You might be a novelty, Desirous, but at this point you're not a worthy opponent for him. We'll be lucky if he doesn't take our challenge as an insult."

"Cut the bullshit, Redd. I'm not that bad."

"Well then let's see if we can give you a chance to prove you're more than a rich woman's toy."

Desirous' teeth clenched. He'd love to slap down this twerp, but the best way to make Redd eat his words would be to go the distance with Maximus.

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

"Look, I can see that you're a demon killer, okay, but I can't sell you this herb without some sort of identification. I need to know you're of legal age. Pennyroyal can be exceptionally dangerous." Maura stood behind the counter of her magic shop and crossed her arms over her chest, trying to appear taller than her whopping five-three. Really, big men always... loomed. Especially if they were far too attractive men with dark hair and glorious green eyes. Not that she noticed such things. She was a business woman.

"Demon hunter." The man's teeth were grinding audibly. "I don't kill every one I come across. I've never had to show ID to buy pennyroyal before. My partner needs it."

"Ha. Killer, hunter; it's a matter of semantics. You've never tried to buy the oil from me before, I'm afraid."

Maura held up a hand. "Please don't swear in my store. Bad things can happen, depending who you call on. There are too many avatars and such in here."

He blinked before glancing around, his shoulders pulling up around his ears. "Sorry."

"Yes, well. Mister..."

"My name is Dixon. You can call me Dix."

"Mr. Dixon. Why does your partner need it, exactly?"

"He has fleas."

Maura relaxed, smiling at him. "He." The man had a male partner. That made him much less intimidating. Though, eek on the fleas. That had to be murder in bed. "Well, a drop of pennyroyal on the skin will definitely help that. He should absolutely not ingest it. It's not an internal elixir." She started preparing an empty bottle for a dose of her pennyroyal flea remedy.

"Huh. Where can I put it that it won't get licked off?"

"You..." Maura blushed, her cheeks on fire. "Can't you control yourself long enough to let him get rid of the fleas? I can't imagine having, er, sexual relations with someone suffering from flea bites. Not only is it unsanitary, it's itchy. Honestly, men are so driven by their urges." Dead silence behind her made her peek at him over her shoulder. He simply stared at her, mouth open. Oh, dear. She'd offended him.

"Lady, I don't have sex with Bingo. He's a dog. Most of the time."

"Oh. Oh! I'm sorry, I assumed... Well." She fluttered, her hands wavering when she poured. "You said partner, and I thought you meant 'life' not 'hunting'."

"Well, that's what you get for assuming. Here's my ID." He slapped it down on the counter, and Maura picked it up, peering at it.

Dixon Elliot, age thirty-two, from Shreveport, Louisiana. His driver's license picture looked just like him, which wasn't fair. Those kinds of pictures should make a person look like a prison inmate or an escapee from the psych ward. Hers certainly did, what with the crazy hair and angry eyes. She'd had a hard time parking at the DMV that day.

"I'm sorry I called you Mr. Dixon, Mr. Elliot. Just one moment and I'll finish up your remedy." She handed back his ID and went to work, trying not to be so aware of him. It was a difficult task. He was back to looming and smoldering, like something out of one of those awful vampire movies.

Honestly, sexy vampires? Please. Everyone knew they were dead things that smelled like rotting flesh. There were some demons who were very attractive, but they all had an odor, whether rot or brimstone. Dixon Elliot smelled spicy and male. Elemental and hot, and maybe a little like wet dog, but that was okay. Maura liked dogs.

"I told you to call me Dix, huh?" He grinned, his white teeth flashing. He was simply too charismatic.

HOW NOT TO DATE AN ALIEN (Stephanie Burke)
Five Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews

Stephanie Burke takes you on a fascinating ride combining the strange and
everyday in a unique blend that is all her own. After reading this book everyone
will be lining up to be hunted by their very own alien.

So what do you do when you're drowning in a sea of pity and Häagen-Dazs? Join a support group with others just like you. Give yourselves a cute name like The Ex-Files, go out for karaoke from time to time, argue often, oh, and indulge in a crazy second chance at love with the help of your nutty new friends.

Join four women as they laugh, cry, time travel, meet a vampire and a cursed warrior, but most importantly, learn to love again!

This collection contains the previously released novellas Mayhem and Maddie, Maxie's Man, Kinky Katy, Maddie Got Run Over by a Reindeer, and Vicky the Vixen.

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

"Reeeuunited and it feels sooo goooood... Reeeuunited cuz it's under... good." No, not good, it was something else, but she couldn't remember. Undergood wasn't a word, was it? No, that wasn't right. Ah, well, it didn't matter. She was a SUPERSTAR.

Maddie was officially six sheets to the wind and loving every minute. Opting to karaoke via her chair, head thrown back, loud and frighteningly off key, she sang her heart out.

"Bartender..." Maddie slapped the table with the palm of her hand, "I need another drink. A big, big, big one." Maddie's head fell forward on her arms. She laid her cheek against her wrist and closed her eyes.

Maxine leaned over toward Maddie and brushed the hair from her eyes. "No, mi amiga, you don't need another drink. You need to go home and get some sleep."

Maddie lifted her head from the table and tried to focus on Maxine. "No, I want another drink. I want one with the pretty pink umbrella like Victoria has." Was that her with the slurred speech?

"Darling, you're smashed," Victoria informed her, "and I think they only give you a pink umbrella if you have what I'm drinking and you can't do that, Maddie, because then you're mixing your alcohol, which leads to puking and puffy eyes and all sorts of things that are ugly for your skin."

Maddie pounded her hand on the table again. "I want another drink." Pushing the hair out of her eyes, she waved her arm in the air, pointing her finger at the poor bartender. "You, bring me another drink and put an umbrella in it. Humor me."

"Hookay, Maddie, it's time to go home. I'm calling Corrine so we can get your address." Katy rubbed her back in soothing circles while she called Corrine on her cell phone.

Maddie felt her head bobbing, but she couldn't seem to get control of the up and down motion. "Is Corrine going to get me another drink?"

Katy chuckled. "No, but she said you're missing the Home and Garden channel's spring extravaganza..."

Maddie sat upright. Ooh, a spring extrava... ex... extra... Oh, whatever. She loved their fall bonanza. Was it fall? Yes, it would have had to be, because there were no winter flowers and that was the last one she could recall watching. Were there flowers in the winter? No, certainly not. It was too cold. Brrr, cold.

"Okay, Kaky," Maddie said, popping up, "I have to go. The Home and Garden channel has a special tonight."

"I've called you a cab. C'mon, we'll wait outside with you. I think a little air would be a good thing."

Maddie let Katy lead her through the bar and out the door. "You are really nice, Kaky. I like you and I think your husband was a stupid head for drifting away... Or whatever he did."

Victoria let her perfect nails rest under her nose to mask the smell of Maddie's breath. "Whew, Maddie, you are snockered."

Maddie threw her arms around Victoria, knocking her slight frame backward. "Oh, Victoriaaa, Vic... turia... Vick-EEE, maybe you should get snockered too, an' then you won't be a CON-TROL freak."

Victoria patted her back and stepped away from Maddie. "Right, darling, and you're the perfect example of what I want to be when I finally run amok. Thanks for showing me the way."

"Uurre welcome." Maddie smiled, her lips curling awkwardly.

Maxine giggled when Maddie wrapped her arm around her shoulders and gazed deeply into her eyes. "Maxie, did Mr. Puerto Rico do that to you?" She referred to the small, white scar by Maxine's lip. Maxine's hand flew to her mouth, but Maddie pushed it away. "He's a mean jerk and if he ever touches you again, I'll... I'll... well, I dunno what I'll do. But it'll be really bad. So there." Maxine hugged her hard and Maddie sniffed the warm cinnamon and vanilla flavor of her coat.

"Okay, Maddie. We'll see you next week, I guess, right?" Maxine asked.

"Are we gonna get snockered and sing karaoke again?"

Katy took Maddie by the hand and opened the cab door for her. "We'll see what happens then, okay? For now you go home and get a good night's rest."

"K... Kaky, bye."

Maddie watched as the three women turned into a blur of color that made holding her head upright difficult. She liked them and she wanted to go back to see them again, but not before she had more sex.

Blurb:Simon is the lead hunter of the pack and most trusted confidant and advisor to the Alpha. He's also one of the most feared wolves in pack history, and no one has ever known his equal. Now he must hunt the most powerful enemy he's ever encountered before she destroys the one most precious to him.Excerpt:

Adopted daughter of the Alpha, Sasha is a powerful shifter in her own right. She's only now coming into her heritage as a witch, but her power rivals that of Simon's prey, Deloris. She knows Simon's hunt is important to the pack, but never suspects it might all be a trap to draw her into Deloris's deceitful web of malice.

Carefully, opening all her senses to the least disturbance around her, Sasha
crept from her hiding place and approached the cave. There were traps, she knew.
Intricate and difficult to counter or unravel, but she knew none of them were
beyond her capabilities. So far. She had no doubt it would take a very long
period of time to get through, and in that time Deloris might well free herself
and emerge more powerful than Sasha could handle, but if it was important enough
to worry Simon, it was important enough to make the effort.

$You will not do this alone, Sasha. I absolutely forbid it!$

Immediately, Sasha backed off. Not because of his imperious order, but because
if he could break her mind blocks, he could be a distraction. She had no doubt
she could keep anyone else out, but Simon knew her defenses too well.

$I can do this, Simon. She's here and vulnerable. She thinks she's safe, but she
doesn't know I can see her spells of safeguard.

And are you certain you can see all of them? Did it ever occur to you she might
be luring you to her with your own arrogance? You're powerful, Sasha. You may
even be more powerful than Deloris. But you're not as experienced. Your mind and
body have matured more rapidly than anyone could have ever known, but you're
running on blind instinct. You have no experience to back up your abilities. The
Dark Witch is terrified of something. I think she senses your power. She may not
know it's you, but she recognizes a rival witch. If she ever figures it out,
you'll be in more danger than you could ever imagine.$

Sasha hissed, but recognized the truth in what he was saying. Grudgingly, she
backed off and sprang back into the woods. Unwilling to go back to the pack, she
made her way back to her own den.

$I want you back with the pack, Sasha! Now!$

His anger beat at her so much she wanted to do what he said just to get relief,
but she wouldn't. She'd never let anyone dictate her life, even as a child.
There had always been something different about her that allowed her mind to
process things a normal child couldn't. Simon hadn't been able to boss her
around then, and she certainly wasn't about to let him start now.

As firmly as she could, she slammed the door to her mind shut. Sasha felt his
efforts to get a peek inside -- probably to confirm where she went -- to no
avail. His frustration and anger bored into her like steel shards, and she
actually winced. Still, no matter how uncomfortable it was, she had no intention
of letting him force her compliance. Or know her every action.

Instead of going to her den, like she'd told him, she headed deeper into the
forest. Away from Deloris, but not to anyplace Simon could find her.

Damn the man to hell and back! He made her feel like a little girl sometimes.
She hated it. She wasn't just struggling to prove she wasn't a child, she
struggled to simply fit in. She was a witch and a shifter in a pack of
werewolves. She might be partly of their world, but she didn't completely
belong. She never would. No matter what her surrogate mother and father said or
believed, the pack saw her as an outsider and, therefore, a threat. She could
sense it in every thought when she was around.

As nice as it would be to be totally accepted by her father's pack, it wasn't
what really mattered to her. Simon was the only person she cared to impress. She
hated that it mattered so much, but there it was. If the man didn't want her,
she didn't want to spend her life pining after him.

But she knew she would. Everything in her screamed that he was hers, and she
didn't even want to fight the attraction. She just wanted him. Simon. She wanted
him to want her the way he'd seemed to want her when he'd kissed her earlier.

Even now, in her cat form and speeding through the forest at break-neck speed,
she still felt the searing aftereffects of that kiss. The power of it had rocked
her world and made her tingle from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
Her core throbbed and leaked moisture from between her legs with wanting him.
Needing him.
Deep in the thick of the forest, Sasha found a thicket of pine trees with a soft
bed of moss in the middle. Once safely inside, she shifted to her nude, human
form. There was no need to clothe herself. No one was around for miles. Besides,
she was so hot she wasn't sure she could stand anything confining her skin. She
needed the cool air kissing her flesh. The moss, cool and damp at her bare back,
comforted and soothed her as much as anything could.

As she lay there panting, sweat soaking her body, she clenched her fists in the
springy foliage in frustration. Her body was on fire! She wanted Simon with a
ferocity she wasn't prepared for. It was as if that kiss they'd shared had
ignited an inferno deep inside her, and there was no extinguishing it with
anything other than him.
Knowing it was useless to resist, Sasha let her hands wander her damp skin,
stroking and titillating her sensitized flesh. Her nipples stabbed her palms,
and she squeezed and pinched them. Gently at first, then with more pressure and
vigor. Biting her lip, she prevented herself from moaning under the pleasure
coursing through her body.

What would it be like for Simon to touch her like this? His big hands would be
rough and callused. A man's hands. Would he be gentle or would he be aggressive
in his own passion for her?

Lost in her musings, Sasha's hands wandered down her body to her cunt. As she
slid her fingers through the triangle of tight curls surrounding her sex, a
small whimper escaped before she could suppress it. She parted lips slick with
moisture to find the nub of her clit and circle it once. Sasha would have been
lost in sensation now no matter what, but, unbidden, the image of Simon's dark
head between her legs looking up into her eyes as he bent his head to feast
popped into her mind. That was all it took to bring an orgasm unlike any she'd
ever experienced at her own hand.

The strength of her cry was second only to the strength of the wave of pleasure
that crashed around and over her. Her hips bucked and thrust against her fingers
in spasmodic movements, and she thrashed her head from side to side, her eyes
closed tightly.

"You likely led Deloris straight to you with that little stunt. Did you even try
to suppress your passion or did you intend to draw her out?" Simon glared down
at her. He must have just shifted from his wolf form, because he stood before
her gloriously naked, sweat glistening off his skin in the faint sunlight
streaming through the trees.

Blurb:
Twelve years ago, Phoenix wed a child bride. Leaving her before consummating the marriage, he joined the royal court. He fought. He bedded exotic women. He dreamed every night of the child woman he left behind.

Twelve years ago, Lucinda was deserted by her perfect knight. She honed her skills as a fire sorceress. She charmed sorcerers and kings. She waited for her wandering husband to return to her. She is now done waiting.

A marriage will be tested. A warrior will burn. A love will be reborn.

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

"And who is the next petitioner?" Prince Reiter sounded as bored as Phoenix felt. Hearing grievances was the most tedious part of court life. Reiter forced his lords to attend, citing it as training for when they took an active role in their own estates.

Whenever that would be. Phoenix examined his buffed nails and scowled at their perfection. Every day, it grew more difficult to justify his role as one of the prince's top warriors. Every evening, it took more women to satisfy his carnal urges. Every night, he was haunted by a vision of pale green eyes.

This unusual request garnered the attention of all those in attendance. "Her name?" Prince Reiter asked.

"She did not grant it. The lady is embarrassed, my lord prince." Phoenix heard the sympathy in the big warrior's voice. "The marriage is long left unconsummated, and she is a great heiress. She wishes her independence."

"Likely so does her husband." Prince Reiter snorted. "If her dowry cannot bring her reluctant groom to bed, she must be uncommonly hideous." The other warriors laughed. "Mayhap I will suggest she wear a mask to bed." The laughter increased in volume. Even Phoenix, foul mood though he was in, smiled. "Or mayhap a full length sheet with one hole cut in it for entry." The tent rolled with mirth.

"My lord husband," the kindhearted Princess Lizbeth rebuked him.

"Ahhh... you are correct, Princess. I should not be so unfeeling. Not all women are as blessed as you are." Phoenix felt a tinge of envy at the look of devotion passing from prince to princess. With all the women he bedded, he had never been the recipient of such a look. "This lady is deserving of our pity, my lords. Show her in, Lord Griffin." Prince Reiter waved his ringed hand. "Let us be charitable and hear her petition."

Guards pulled back the tent flaps. Music drifted in on the breeze, the tune sensuous and haunting. Two comely wenches entered, each skillfully playing an ancient instrument. Phoenix smelled their sweet perfume. They were scantily dressed in silks and scarves, their feet bare, their long hair flowing upon their slight shoulders. Their hips swayed as they wound between the warriors.

"This is how one should approach their prince," Prince Reiter murmured. What the lady lacked in physical charms, she compensated with intelligence. His lord was clearly captivated, leaning forward with interest. Her strategy impressed Phoenix. Her petition would be granted.

"Our lady, my lord prince," the shorter minstrel announced.

The tent flap folds revealed a leg, long and lean and a flawless ivory. A slim ankle, bejeweled with a golden chain of tiny bells, moved in a circle. Lust surged through Phoenix. He wished to suck on those bare toes. He longed to caress the curve of that calf.

Then the whole of her shimmied into the tent and her feet were forgotten. Red hair the color of an autumn sunset cascaded down a proud, straight spine. Her breasts were small and firm, concealed only by spirals of gold. Her flat stomach was bare. Her hips were covered by more gold. Her harem pants were made of the sheerest green fabric.

She was too far away for Phoenix to see her eyes, but he knew their color. They were the most fragile green like the leaves in the spring. Her face was no longer round with youth. Her cheekbones were high and regal. Her mouth glistened with moisture. Flames danced from her fingers as she moved, undulating to the rhythm.

"A fire sorceress," a nearby warrior murmured, his voice thick with lust. Phoenix balled his hands into fists. The urge to strike his friend was great.

This fire sorceress was his. He stepped forward, attracting the seductress's attention. She continued to dance but not for the crowd. She danced for him -- her hands stretching out to him, her hips rocking toward him. Her pants burned into nothing. The gold covering her breasts and hips glowed with the heat. The flames around her built until she was surrounded by fire.

The fire called to his beast, as her hypnotic, winding movements called to the man. All the passion he had felt for her on their aborted wedding night returned, pumping fiercely through his veins. It was now without the taint of guilt. His child bride was no longer a child. She was all woman, and she had come for him.

He would gladly go to her. He placed his hands on the wall of flames, feeling the burn upon his palms. She smiled at him slowly, her head tilting back, her pale neck exposed, her breasts thrust up. Phoenix wished to bury his face in those curves and to never again emerge. The smell of burning cloth filled the tent. The pain intensified.

"I will not." Phoenix had never before refused his prince anything but in this, he would not obey. "She is mine." He had waited long enough to claim her.

"Nay, warrior," Prince Reiter barked. "Not this one. This lady is not for you."

The flames dissipated and the music stopped. She turned to the prince. "You are very wise, my lord prince." She dropped into a curtsy, displaying her fine cleavage. "It took me twelve years to determine what you saw in one minute. Lord Phoenix is not for me." She raised one fine red eyebrow, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. "Are you, husband?"

Did she deny their union? His sexual frustration roared to anger. "You dare to embarrass me in public, wife?"